Marion – Exciting news is rippling through the community as the Bristol Academy of Music prepares to launch a new youth theatre class at Marion’s Lincoln Theatre. Starting next week, kids can enroll in this remarkable opportunity to dive into the world of theatre, with the first production being a stage performance of “Aladdin Jr.” set to hit the stage in early 2025.
The driving force behind this new initiative is Rachel Helton, an accomplished opera singer who has been teaching at her academy in Bristol. Noticing a significant lack of theatre opportunities for young people in Southwest Virginia, she saw an opening to make a difference. Utilizing her extensive background, which includes teaching voice at Emory & Henry University, East Tennessee State University, Milligan University, and King University, Helton successfully launched the program as a summer theatre camp in 2023.
“The program has really taken off this year,” Helton noted. “We now plan to perform three shows each year with over 75 students from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee joining in.”
As Helton looked around, she couldn’t help but see the “lack of kids’ theatre opportunities.” After the success in Bristol, she thought, “why not take the class to more kids in the region and work something out with the Lincoln Theatre?” Having performed at the Lincoln herself in downtown Marion, Helton connected with Bob Watkins, the theatre’s executive director, who “enthusiastically agreed that a class would be a great addition to the theatre and community.”
Helton shared her passion for theatre and its impact on kids, saying, “I have seen the transformations of children that become involved in our classes and theatre. They build confidence, develop speaking skills, make great friends, work as a team, and can celebrate the remarkable accomplishment of bringing a show from script to stage! It is a positive, uplifting experience! This is an opportunity that every child should have, so we hope to continue as it catches on.”
Furthermore, the academy is working to ensure that financial constraints won’t prevent interested students from joining. Helton revealed that the academy has partnered with “FAME Inc.,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships for kids to participate in music classes and performances. “This partnership will allow us to involve more students…,” she added, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the arts.
Helton’s credentials are impressive: she holds a Master of Music in vocal performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. By directing the shows and teaching the class, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
The new youth theatre class at Marion’s Lincoln Theatre will begin rehearsals for “Aladdin Jr.” on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The class is open to young people aged 8 to 18 and promises to be a rewarding and educational experience. Performances of the production are scheduled for January 17 and 18.
Interested families can find more information and sign up for the class by visiting the Bristol Academy of Music’s official website or by reaching out via email. This opportunity is one that children in the region are excited about, and there’s much anticipation building around the upcoming shows and the new skills these young thespians will develop.
With this new initiative, Helton and the Bristol Academy of Music are bridging a significant gap in the local arts scene, giving children an invaluable chance to explore theatre and all it has to offer. Whether it’s building confidence, making new friends, or simply having fun, the benefits are endless.
As the community gears up for another academic year, this addition offers a creative and engaging outlet for kids. It’s about more than just putting on a show; it’s about nurturing the next generation of performers, creators, and confident individuals who will carry these experiences with them for a lifetime.
So, if you have a child who’s looking to try something new and exciting, keep an eye out for this incredible opportunity at Marion’s Lincoln Theatre. Theatre lovers and newcomers alike are bound to find something to cherish in this endeavor, and we can’t wait to see what these talented young individuals will bring to the stage.
